Agile Heavyweight: Porsche Cayenne GTS - Blending Power and Grace
Big, beefy SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne often lean towards utility rather than sport. But the new GTS model buckles that trend, offering a sportier look and feel, not just for straightaways.
Porsche gives the Cayenne a sports makeover, ratcheting up the 'S' in SUV. With its dynamic performance, the Cayenne was already a formidable presence among heavyweights. However, as the final derivative after the facelift, the German engineers have engineered another sizzling GTS variant to take on the race. Those willing to shell out €142,000 for the SUV or €145,300 for the Coupe can expect an adrenaline rush and more gripping cornering on narrow roads.
Under the hood, you'll find a 4-liter V8 engine that's bulked up a bit after the facelift. With improved mono-scroll injectors, higher injection pressure, and new software, the power output rises by 40 hp to 500 hp, peaking at a stiff 660 Nm of torque.
A sprint in 4.4 seconds
With a roar from eight cylinders, the Cayenne reaches 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Depending on the variant, you'll find either two or four exhaust pipes, each with a 100mm diameter. The dash to 275 km/h is a thrilling experience, programmed into the upgraded speedometer.
To put any doubts to rest, there's now a separate digital display for the passenger. While streaming Netflix might be a distraction during spirited driving, this display quickly clears up any confusion and keeps you focused on the road.
The GTS isn't just about the engine. Turbos alone wouldn't make the SUV the thrill-seeker it is. It's the harmonious blend of the powerful V8 engine with a finely-tuned chassis that ignites the excitement and reinforces the 'S' in the SUV model name.
A giant turned agile corner carver
The standard air suspension is now 1 cm lower, the shock absorbers respond faster, the steering wheel is smaller and grippier, the gearbox has a more direct ratio, the all-wheel-drive clutch is custom-tuned, and the front axle from the Turbo GT has been made stiffer for sharper steering. As a result, the Cayenne feels like a nimble Macan and excels at carving corners.
Once you've experienced these handling improvements, you'll appreciate the design tweaks, which aren't just for show—they enhance performance. Carbon fiber stripes may not significantly affect weight or driving dynamics, but the red stitching on the sports seats certainly makes the Cayenne feel swifter. A better grip on the seats translates to better control over the vehicle, and that's particularly important as the final millimeters are counted on narrow roads.
At the end of the day, the Cayenne GTS is a pricey pleasure. At around €20,000 more than the comparably powerful Cayenne S, the GTS delivers the sporty experience you pay for.
Porsche Cayenne GTS - key specifications
- Upper-class luxury SUV, Length: 4.93 meters, Width (with mirrors): 2.19 meters, Height: 1.67 meters, Wheelbase: 2.90 meters, Trunk volume: 656-1708 liters (SUV) / 554-1502 liters (Coupe)
- V8 engine, capacity: 4.0 liters, Power output: 368 kW/500 PS, Maximum torque: 660 Nm, All-wheel drive, eight-speed double-clutch transmission, 0-100 km/h: 4.4 s, Top speed: 275 km/h, Fuel consumption: 12.6 - 13.3 liters/100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 287-303 g/km, Emission standard: Euro 6d, Efficiency class: G
- Price: from €142,000 (€145,300 for Coupe)
